One-Step Synthesis of PtCu Alloyed Nanocages with Highly Open Structures as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction and Polyhydric Alcohol Oxidation

Three-dimensional (3D) bimetallic PtCu alloyed nanocages (NCs) with highly open structures and large external- and internal-surfaces accessible for reactants were facilely synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal method. Arginine and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) acted as the costructure-directors and stabilizing agents. The resultant PtCu NCs showed significantly enhanced catalytic activity and improved stability when compared to commercial Pt/C (SO wt %) and Pt black catalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), ethylene glycol oxidation reaction (EGOR), and glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) in alkaline electrolyte. This work provides guidelines for rational synthesis of highly open cagelike architectures.